Synchronized swimming, popularly known as Synchro, comprises swimming, dance and gymnastics.

Rediff.com brings you stunning pictures of the sport from the 15th FINA World Championships in Barcelona.

Synchronised swimming can be described as ‘water ballet’, as it consists of dance-like elaborate movements that swimmers make to music.

Synchronised swimming brings out the best in a swimmer at solos, duets or teams.

Men do not compete in Synchronised swimming at the Olympics like rhythmic gymnastics and softball.

But in other international and national competitions men are allowed.

This sport seems easy from a distance but it requires a lot of strength, grace, flexibility and precise timing.

Breathing techniques are of utmost importance and the swimmers use a nose clip to prevent an intake of water through the nostrils.

Synchronised swimming made its Olympic debut as an exhibition event in the 1952 and 1980 Games.